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Team WBR Michigan

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2024 was a BIG year for Team WBR Michigan!

What a big year for Team WBR Michigan!  Thanks to our generous supporters, we raised over $11,000 in 2024! HIGHLIGHTS:
*Helping with the ultra-endurance distance of the Cedar Blitz.  $1000 was raised from this event.
*Adding a new teammate in Chad Westhouse
*Awareness spread in the Great Lakes Region and beyond with teammates racing in places like Colorado and Arkansas
*Chris Carter's Tour da Yoop raised $3595.  Around Michigan's upper peninsula, Chris rode 1097 miles, over 58 hrs, averaged 18.84mph, and burned 40,459 calories all in the name of World Bicycle Relief!  An amazing accomplishment on his important mission...to raise money and awareness...to mobilize individuals...all through the POWER OF BICYCLES!

Team WBR Michigan Welcomes a New Teammate

Team WBR Michigan is excited to announce our newest teammate joining the squad for the 2025 race season. Meet Chad Westhouse.
NAME/AGE: Chad Thomas Westhouse, 44
FROM: Grew up just south of Byron Center and still live there today 
FAVORITE QUOTE: Embrace the suck 
WHY I RIDE: Always loved bikes from bmx as a kid took a short break to race moto x then slowly started mountain biking. It’s a good break I like to challenge myself and enjoy the competition of racing. 
WHEN NOT RIDING:  I enjoy riding my Harley, snowmobile or anything else I can find. 
FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Olive Garden 
FAVORED CYCLING DISCIPLINE: Mountain biking 
MY BIKES: Trek Supercaliber, Vaast A1, Trek Farley 
FAVORITE TRAIL: Yankee Springs
MILES RIDDEN THIS YEAR: I’m around 5300 this year definitely a record for me. Looking to continue into 2025
ON THE BIKE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Winning my first race in 2016 was big I was hooked after that. Took me 1 full year of racing to get my first win in the beginner class. 
PRO I WOULD LOVE TO RIDE WITH:  Kerry Warner
WHY RIDE FOR WBR: I believe it’s important to give back. We spend thousands on bikes to perform our best, while some can’t even afford a bike as transportation I think this is a great way to give something to someone to help them succeed.  
GOALS: Continue to enjoy riding my bike first and foremost. I just want to keep pushing myself with riding there is always a new challenge.
MY FUNDRAISING GOAL: I’m not sure where to really set that bar I’d like to be able to raise enough to maybe supply 10 bikes my first year I’d prefer more but that would be a good start. 
2025: I’d enjoy finding a better balance between work and life I spend way too many hours at work. I’d like to also finish 100 miles I did 96 this year I need to get passed that 100. 
**I’d like to thank this team for allowing me to ride with them, and to thank my girlfriend and family as they both put up with me being on my bike more than they would probably like. 

WELCOME TO THE TEAM CHAD!

Tour De Yoop, Eh

We are excited to announce that on August 4th, Team Rider Chris Carter will embark on a 1200 mile adventure called Tour De Yoop, Eh.  This ride will circle Michigan's upper peninsula and Chris plans to complete it in under 6 days.  Each day Chris will be self-supported and average more than 200 daily miles with the sole purpose of raising money and awareness for World Bicycle Relief.  Chris's goal is to raise 10 bicycles.  All donations to WBR should be made through this team page.  You will be able to follow along on the team's Instagram page @wbrmichigan. Remember, every $165 raised provides 1 full bicycle giving someone in need the power of mobility, opportunity, and sustainability!

Julie Ondersma Represents World Bicycle Relief at 'From The Ground Up' Project

From The Ground Up started as a project intended to inspire cyclists of all ability levels to step outside of their comfort zones. Now in its 4th season, Professional cyclists Ryan Petry and Alexey Vermeulen have come to realize how important the power of community is when taking on monumental challenges. We are all capable of so much more than we know, but our true potential is only unlocked with the encouragement, support, and comradery of others.  Our overarching objective of this project is to help shorten the learning curve in cycling while helping guide riders who are new to the sport.
HERE IS A REPORT FROM JULIE ABOUT HER EXPERIENCE
Last week I had the privilege of participating in the From The Ground UP (FTGU) bike camp in Bentonville, AR. FTGU is a documentary series started by Alexey Vermeulen and Ryan Petry, intended to inspire cyclists of all ability levels to step outside of their comfort zones. The camp is one piece of the training program for 4 featured cyclists, relatively new to cycling, to finish the Steamboat Gravel 125-mile race in August. Anyone can apply to attend camp but only 15 lucky riders are selected.

Each morning of camp started out with a massive breakfast hosted in the Main House (a beautiful, large Air BnB) hosted by Chef Biju Thomas - https://www.chefbiju.com. After breakfast, Rich Drew, founder of The Ride Series - https://therideseriesmtb.com, led us to downtown Bentonville and coached us on a series of skills training from breaking, cornering and navigating obstacles. We paused for a trailside lunch, also provided by Biju, and then split into beginner and technical groups to ride the rest of the day. These rides were mostly gravel but also included a good amount of single track to mix it up. Bentonville is known to be the biking mecca of the US and has everything a rider can ask for. Every participant at camp was pushed as hard as we wanted to be and encouraged the whole way.

In addition to Ryan and Alexey, we were surrounded by other biking legends including Brad Huff, Ernie Lechuga, Taylor Lideen, and film crew including Avery Stumm, Rob Barranco and Ian McGrew. It was probably best that I didn’t know any of their public reputations before I claimed them as friends because they all have quite the resume in the cycling and sports world! Apart from the main objective of learning new bike skills, it was quite an experience to be part of a documentary in action. The film and photo team were strategically placed everywhere to capture the story and experience of the featured riders for this season. Each of them, Rich, Kristen, Lou and Brandilee, have an encouraging story to tell and are ready to tackle one of the biggest challenges of their lives!

The highlights of the camp were certainly making a host of new friends who have a collective passion for riding bikes, coming home with a boat load of sweet swag, and more confidence while riding on 2 wheels. I’d return in a heartbeat next year if they let me and would encourage anyone to apply. More info and the full itinerary can be found at https://www.fromthegroundup.bike/2024-ftgu-camp-bentonville.

2024 Brings New Energy To The Same Mission

Last year was an epic one for Team WBR Michigan.  We challenged our supporters to help us raise 25 bikes before 2024.  And our supporters stepped up big and helped us raise over 50 bikes on the year! We can't thank you all enough for supporting our cause to change lives through the POWER OF BICYCLES!

2024 is about one thing...helping WBR get to 1 million bikes distributed.  Since the inception of WBR over a decade ago, the organization has distributed close to 780,000 bikes empowering more than 3.8 million people.  Our team is excited to help WBR reach the goal of 1 million bikes distributed by the end of 2025.

2024 also brings an updated  Team WBR Michigan roster with some new faces as well as the usual suspects.

16 year old Rachael King will be the team's first Junior racer.  Rachael is a student at Hudsonville High School where she participates in Mountain Bike Club, Varsity Tennis, Science Olympiad, and Marching Band.  Her cycling accomplishments include: Coast to Coast 100 finish, age group podiums at Luton Park TT, Barry-Roubaix, and Uncle John’s. 
When asked why she chose to join WBR Rachael explained, "I chose to be a part of World Bicycle Relief because I want to ride for a deeper meaning. I have never been apart of a team, and I love what WBR is accomplishing. Not only is this an amazing team, it’s an amazing team that’s riding for a greater cause, and I cannot wait to be apart of it!"
Rachael's 2024 race calendar will include: Barry-Roubaix 36, Lowell Spring Classic, Luton Park TT, and Uncle John’s Dirty Ride. 

Another rider that did not recieve a proper introduction, as she joined the team mid year in 2023, is Julie Ondersma.  Julie is an accomplished bike racer who has a passion for the sport and the cause.  She has been an amazing addition to the team bringing lots of energy and enthusiasm.  You will often find her on the podium at both gravel and mountain bike races.  In 2023, she went 9 for 9...raced 9 times and podiumed every time including races like Iceman, Peak 2 Peak, Lord of the Springs, and many more.  Her 2024 race calendar includes 17 events highlighted by races such as Arcadia Grit and Gravel, Leadville Stage Race, and possibly the Big Sugar Race in Betonville, AR.

WELCOME TO TEAM WBR MICHIGAN!

Here is a full list of the 2024 TEAM WBR MICHIGAN roster:
Chris Carter
Jeff Darter
Rusty Darter
Eric Hune
Rachael King
Justin Jewell
Julie Ondersma
Mark Ondersma
Dave Tuit

25 before 24

As giving Tuesday approaches, we would like to invite you to support our 25 before 24 campaign.  Team WBR Michigan has set a goal to raise 25 bikes before Jan. 1st.  Scroll back up and hit that donate button to make an impact and change a life.  Remember, the Buffalo Bike is not a bike, it's a life changer!

New Year, New Teammates, and New Fundraising Platform

Happy 2023 to our World Bicycle Relief supporters.  We have some exciting news to share in this new year.  Team WBR Michigan is growing again.  We would like to welcome Justin Jewell to the team as well as share that Chris Carter has rejoined the team in 2023.  
"I joined WBR to ride for a mission bigger than myself. We need more goodness in this world. Team WBR Michigan creates positive impact, both intangible and tangible." -Justin Jewell
"I rejoined WBR to ride for right reasons. To put myself aside for the benefit of others. To rejoin a group of individuals with a similar purpose for riding their bikes and to whose values reflect my own." -Chris Carter

You might also notice that our URL has changed.  WBR has switched to a new fundraising platform that will allow us to have a larger reach.  All donations, announcements, and blog posts will be from this new page from now on.  

2023 is going to be a great year.  We have some ambitious goals as fundraisers and racers.  Stay tuned for plenty to come from Team WBR Michigan!

2023 TEAM ROSTER
-Chris Carter
-Jeff Darter
-Rusty Darter
-Dan Frayer
-Eric Hune
-Justin Jewell
-Jacob Marshall
-Mark Ondersma
-Dave Tuit

New Fundraising Page Alert!

For 2023, we would like to welcome you to Team WBR Michigan's new fundraising page.  World Bicycle has partnered with a new fundraising platform.  For our donors, nothing has really changed except our URL.  Blog updates and fundraising goals will be located here as well.  

Help change lives through The Power of Bicycles

We believe in the Power of Bicycles and their ability to change the world. Please consider supporting our personal fundraising efforts to help mobilize individuals in rural developing countries. Just $165 puts a brand new bike in the field and forever changes the trajectory of an individual's life.  We at WBR Michigan have 2 goals:

1. Raise awareness for this great cause

2. Connect donors to World Bicycle Relief so that together we can make a difference

Spread the word by sharing this page with others who may want to donate to help individuals challenged by distance. 

Team WBR Michigan thanks you for your support!

Chris Carter

Jeff Darter

Rusty Darter

Eric Hune

Justin Jewell

Rachael King

Julie Ondersma

Mark Ondersma

Dave Tuit

Chad Westhouse


Please Help Me
Reach My Goal

Raised

$66,389 + $0 GiftAid

My Goal

$70,000

Select amount to donate

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$50
$165
$500
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All donations in USD

Thank you to my supporters

$50

Angie Peterman

$26.10

Kenzie Vanhoose

$104.40

Patrick Castle

$172.26

Cameron Kortes

Go crush it, Chris!

$52.20

Patty Elkus

In honor of my cousin Mary Carter - family supports family!

$104.40

Shelly Grooters

So proud of you Chris!

$52.20

Pat D

Keep up the great work Chris!!

$106.50

Chad Westhouse

$261

Warren

Go Nick!!!

$53.25

Brandy Walker

$52.20

Avery Zuck

$104.40

Chad Westhouse

Good luck Chris on your ride

$40

Pernell Hess

$50

The Willeys

Gooo Chris!!!!

$165

Phil Curtis

I love you Dad

$52.20

Joseph Frato

$106

Barb Vanhoose

Good luck Chris! So proud of you.

$175.72

Matt Graves

$172.26

Julie Ondersma

My 2023 race winnings = one bike!! Love riding for a purpose.

$520

Brad Haverkamp

Thanks for your work! Keep it up!

$52.20

Tracy Gravlin

So happy to have just found about about you. We met Chris by chance in Cheboygan. Great cause.

$350

Jake Lombardo

Well done.

$104.40

Anonymous

Go Julie go!

$172.26

Christine West

$174.90

Cynthia Rosema

$58.73

Eric Hune

Epic ride Chris!

$10.60

Justin Jewell

Customer donation from bike service.

$500

Beer Laps

Merry Christmas ya filthy animals.

$172.26

Chuck Dokter

Happy Birthday Jeff!!

$172.26

Karl Sherrill

$3k

Dave & Kelly T

$52.20

T&a Cycles

Good luck Chris!

$140.94

Anonymous

Ready. Set. Roll, Nick!!!

$172.26

Cindy Rosema

$26.50

Justin Jewell

Automated donation for cycling service customers - Julie Ondersma and Danny Carpenter

$172.26

Steve Mcgregor

$174.90

Jeff Stremler

$106

Donley Degroot

$26.10

Wesley Morgan

$86.13

King Family

Thank you, Justin, for your help on Rachael's bike. GOOD LUCK, Chris, on your ride. Only those who can see the invisible can do the impossible. We will be following and praying for you during your ride. GODspeed!

$1,000

Rogue Racing Promotions Llc Rogue Racing Promotions Llc

Cedar Blitz and the Buffalo Blitz were a great match!

$172.26

Deitz Family

Great job Nephew! Keep changing the world one bike (and mile) at a time! Uncle Matt, Jamie, Harper, Emerson & Sophia

$515

William Cole

Good Luck Dave and Team Michigan!!

$1.02k

Aggressive Tooling Inc.

$26.50

Lauren Oppenhuizen

$26.10

James Ellis

I’m currently in Marquette for the week and am monitoring your ride. Best Wishes for a safe journey.

$174.90

Linda Darter

$106

Chad Westhouse

$172.26

John Kempf

Just discovered Buffalo bikes (Berm Peak YouTube video) and the terrific work WBR and WBR Team Michigan do. As a 71-yr. old life-long bicycle rider/enthusiast, donating a bike is the least I can do to give back to a device and activity that has given so much to me.

$26.10

Dan Draper

Good.luck Chris

$1.49k

Kelly Tuit

$212

Michelle & Ben Rizor

$26.10

Ben Persenaire

Go Chris!

$35.3k

Funds Raised Before 2023

$174.90

Thomas Westhouse

$515

Anonymous

$172.26

Ruth Brandt

Julie is always doing amazing things for a positive change

$52.20

Jerry And Deb Martin

Good luck Chris. So proud of you

$165

Don Karsten

$20

Heidi Petersen

Best of luck!

$174.90

Justin Jewell

Donations raised from servicing bikes.

$520

Anonymous

$174.90

Rwam Guikema

As part of RWAM I would like to help

$52.20

Brad Roberts

Good Luck Chris!

$53

Anonymous

$165

Nick Tuit

$165

Eric Hune

$52.20

Katherine Graham

Rachael, Uncle Mike and I are so of you. I have said it before and I will say it again you are amazing. Love you sweet girl.

$104.40

Gerilyn And Jamie May

$26.10

Lon Smith

Have a great ride Chris

$52.20

John Sabo

Good luck on your journey Chris and Team!

$20

Kathleen Penny

Dan Frayer fixed my flat tire…great neighbor!

$515

Anonymous

$15.66

Justin Jewell

Automated donation - gravel bike build for customer

$53

Sarah Visser

$2k

Anonymous

$53

Chad Westhouse

$530

Anonymous

$130

Tiffany Kreh

Dan is the man. With a plan.

$172.26

Emma Riza

$172.26

Matt Graves

$53

Eric Hune

I’m so Proud of Eric Hune for all his support for World Bicycle Relief!! I’m also so proud to be his Mom!!

$104.40

Barb Vanhoose

Awesome program you all are riding for!

$26.10

Rob Schafer

$344.52

Mark Sytsma

$50

Deb Pietrykowski

Looks like a great organization! This donation is in honor of my granddaughter who just joined WBR. Rachael King. Keep pedaling Rachael!! Love you!!

$1,000

Shawn And Cheri Hulst

$106

Patricia Mcgowan

Yes Julie! Great idea!!!!

$40

Kathleen Penny

Our neighbor Dan Frayer was kind enough to tune up our bikes for the upcoming season.

$26.10

Carl Moline

Sounds like a great cause good luck

$172.26

Linda Darter

$106

Moore Family

Keep it between the mayonnaise and mustard lines.

$52.20

Kim And Dave Hune

Keep up the good work Eric and Team WBR!

$52.20

Donley Degroot

$165

Jake Lombardo

Ride on!

$106

Daryl Haan

$172.26

Micheal Grooters

Supporting my son Chris Carter in his 1200 miles ride

$1.03k

Michael Ventura

Great work Dave and team. Keep it up!

$1.29k

Waterloo G&g Funds Raised

$165

Chris Carter

$26.50

Justin Jewell

Automated donation from customer pro level tune up

$53

Taber Parker

Good luck, Chris!

$172.26

John Rodriguez

You are my hero

$174.90

Matt Graves

Keep up the good work WBR MICHIGAN!

$100

Anonymous

$26.10

Rob Schafer

Way to get after it!

$20.88

Susan Bigelow

$52.20

Keith Hudson

$53

Fred Lake Rwam

$5.22

Justin Jewell

Automated donation for bar tape/power meter install services for customer

$53

Anonymous

$100

Eric Deur

$53

Tw

Go Chris Go!

$78.30

Moore Family

$200

John P Iacono

$50

Kb

Thanks Dan, for fixing my bike!

$1.4k

Cedar Blitz Funds Raised

$175.72

Anonymous

I so enjoy the mental picture of a specific person receiving a bike and knowing they have the potential of making their future better. Empowerment.

$318

Nick Tuit

$26.10

Andy Reynolds

Good luck Chris!

$53

Eric M.

Have a safe ride Chris!

$53

Tracy Gravlin

$1.2k

Aggressive Tooling, Inc.

Best of luck on your journey!

$174.90

Ruth Spagnuolo

$104.40

Jay Morrison

Keep up the great work.

$52.20

Bigelow

Saving the World mile at a time.

$212

Nick Tuit

$26.10

Rob Peters

#RideOn

$26.10

Barb Vanhoose

Good luck Chris! I am proud of you!

$52.20

Tommy Darter

In memory of Tommy Darter from his neighbors in Stations Edge Condominium Association.

$1.02k

Erik Olson

Go get ‘em!

$165

Dave Tuit

$26.10

Danielle Laporte

$10.44

Ondersma Crew

Thanks, Justin, for the bike tune-up!!

$104.40

L’image Hair Salon

Good luck Chris we will be rooting for you! What an awesome program you are supporting!

$52.20

Kirk Krahn

$26.10

Dawn Alber

$53

Jeffrey Miller

$52.20

Dave And Kim Hune

Proud of you!

$15.66

Zach And Katie Grooters

Keep it up Chris! Love to watch you go from not biking to biking way more and faster than I ever have or will! It’s inspiring!

$10.60

Lucas